Indonesia Conference Directory

Architecture is not just about physical entities of buildings, it is also about the space of human life and all its activities. This paper is a lesson learned gathered from field experience in assisting rural communities in building physical facilities and initiating various community activities. The method used is Participatory Action Research (PAR) which is oriented to the needs of the community, the research is conducted in Cibeureum Wetan Village, Cimalaka District, Sumedang Regency. Mentoring begins with the planning process, design and construction of public spaces i.e. buildings for childrens learning activities, which gradually being developed into various community activities from all age groups, especially women and adolescents. The participatory concept developed shows an increase in types of activities, strengthening social capital, productive economic activities and the growth of collective awareness to optimize public space as a joint activity space. The value of architecture in a broader meaning is indicated by the positive connectivity between space and its users.